O’Hare: I just want to be in exciting fights

Liam O’Hare…boxes at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on June 7

WHEN Liam O’Hare announces “I bloody love boxing”, you have to believe him.

He fights like a man who simply adores a tear-up.

Hereford’s former Midlands super-middleweight champ gets to again do what he loves on June 7 at the Holiday Inn.

There, the 28-year-old will face Grant Dennis over six rounds. The Chatham man is no slouch, with a winning record of 19 wins in 30 contests. But, at the age of 41, he’s seen better days and is on a three fight losing streak, his last contest ending in a body shot KO.

O’Hare, part of Birmingham’s Eastside gym, doesn’t give a fig about reputations and statistics. “I just want to be in exciting fights,” he told me. “I bloody love boxing and I will do everything to be in the most exciting fights I can be in.”

O’Hare had notched-up 10 straight wins before losing his title in an absolute barnstormer with Ollie Cooper, the Cannock prospect prevailing in the sixth round.

He returned in February with a points win over quality journeyman Jordan Grannum. Liam dominated, but was definitely wobbled by a left in the second.

“I learned a lesson in that one,” he said. “It was a same day weigh-in and I still messed around with the water.

“Since losing to Ollie Cooper, I’ve been looking to see where I can improve. I know I have to make sure absolutely everything is right. One hundred per cent, I’m better for the loss and I think when I look back in a few years time I’ll thank him for it.

“Grant Dennis is a step up again from the last fight – it’s a six rounder, possibly eight but more than likely six. I think I’ll have a bit more of a fight and that’s what I want. That’s the main thing, never mind titles.”

Outside the ring, it’s been a busy time for Liam. He married partner Izzy on April 14 in Usk, Wales, and the couple welcome a new addition to the family in July.

Impending fatherhood has helped Liam’s preparation.

He added: “It’s not been a distraction, I’ve been on my game more. I’ve thought, ‘now I’ve really got to bloody focus’.”

Fighting may be fun, but there’s another mouth to feed in the O’Hare household.